Nest structure and all stages of the long-cheeked yellow jacket Dolichovespula stigma Lee (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), with a new synonym

Abstract

ABSTRACTNest structure, larval characters both in morphology and behaviour have contributed to the phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of social vespids. In a highly developed eusocial wasp group such as the genus Dolichovespula, the knowledge of all castes is important to judge the validity of a species. Unfortunately, a few species of this genus are reported based on limited material. Among them, Dolichovespula stigma Lee, 1986 is known from workers only, as well as Dolichovespula baileyi Archer, 1987, which is only known from a queen. During the nearly 30 years since its description, there has been no additional information forthcoming. Recently, two ground nests of Dolichovespula stigma Lee, 1986, were discovered on the Qinling Mountains (Shaanxi, China) and all three castes of this species were collected for the first time. The nest structure, the male and the immature stages are newly described. As a result, D. baileyi Archer, 1987, is synonymized with D. stigma Lee, 1986 (syn. nov.). The status of species groups in this genus is briefly discussed.